Should Westfield Parish Council purchase land at Waterside Valley? The section of Waterside Valley shown opposite came on the market early this year and local residents contacted the Parish Council with their concerns and aspirations for the land.
The Parish Council is aware that the land is unlikely to be given planning permission for housing under present planning law, but that might change. The only way to achieve certainty, and safeguard this valuable green space for future generations, is to purchase it.
“The community is using the land for the following reasons (although its use is not restricted to these reasons): Dog Walking, Exercise (runners and walkers), Bird Watching, Sports (children play football and ride their bikes), Exploration of Nature.
Why focus on this land in particular?
“Wildlife is in abundance including: a variety of Bats, Deer, Rabbits, Buzzards, Woodpeckers, Barn Owls, Falcon, Hedgehogs, Foxes, Pheasants.
Waterside Valley is a dearly loved asset in the community, valued for its wildlife. Its fresh air is an antidote to the toxins of the A367, and it is an environment for enjoying nature, sledging in winter and animal grazing. It can help alleviate issues of mental health and is an outside space to walk, especially for the increasing number of people working from home. As one local residents described it, “Waterside Valley is a key area in the community, it is used by many people in many different ways. If the usage of the field was restricted or the environment was impacted due to a developer there would be an impact on many people’s lives and the wildlife that resides in it.” 10 - The Westfield Warbler
“The area is also maintained by the community. A resident of Birch Road uses a sit on lawn mower to mark out paths for people to use as they walk through the field. There are often community groups getting together to clean the miners' pool and remove rubbish from the river. People donate their time and efforts to this area for the good of the people who use it and the animals who live in it. If the community already takes responsibility for it to an extent, imagine what can be done working with the local authority.”
